Onitsuka Tiger x Mita Sneakers Panda Shoe
Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger have teamed up with Tokyo’s famed Mita Sneaker store to produce an exclusive panda-look shoe. Ri Ri and Shin Shin, the giant pandas at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo, are the inspiration behind the limited edition silhouette. Originating from China, giant pandas are symbols of peace; revered for their spiritual qualities and ability to ward off evil spirits. Their black and white fur is believed to represent harmony between two opposing Yin and Yang forces. On top of this spiritual backdrop, the shoes make a striking statement: simple yet fashion forward and elegant. This update of Onitsuka’s classic ‘FABRE BL-L’ basketball shoe saw Mita look to the bamboo-eating softies for both palette and material inspiration. A monochrome design, complete with black and white acrylic fur, imitates the panda’s colouring. Real suede on the upper and back give the sneaker a premium feel, whilst Mita Sneakers’ logo printed on the shoelace shows attention to detail, further emphasised by its ‘CHAIN LINK’ graphic printed on the insole. The FABRE BL-L is a hi-top, ankle-supporting basketball shoe. FABRE is an abbreviation of the basketball move ‘FAstBREak’ and is an Onitsuka Tiger model that revolutionised on-court performance footwear by allowing basketball players unprecedented ‘stop & start’ manoeuvrability. The collaboration is truly striking and highly recommended, especially for those that love timeless, minimal pieces. It combines the Japanese values of craftsmanship and attention to detail… with pandas thrown into the mix. The shoes are priced at £105 and available at Onitsuka Tiger stores.
Onitsuka Tiger x Mita Sneakers Panda Shoe
